Immigration Reform A Must

Illegal immigration is a challenging topic filled with many complexities.  It involves people of all ages and cultures, some of which risk their lives to experience the America dream.  In my classmate’s blog “This Whole Immigration Thing," Lina clearly expressed the ethical and humanitarian aspects of immigration.  Her compassion towards immigrant families and their children is obvious.  I did however note conflicting arguments when she stated that to live in America these people should have to play by the rules, but then went on to defend the illegality of immigrant children deserving the right to healthcare, and education benefits.  I think the key word is illegal.  She made the point that that even if immigrants are here illegally and abiding by all our laws in order to provide for their families, then what’s the big deal?  My immediate response is it’s robbing our citizens of resources.  Her position was that one should not be denied the opportunity to live in this country regardless of where their birth place is.  That the desire for a better life, having love for this country, and wanting a safe haven for your family should allow one to live in America.  However, I was not convinced of her argument.  There is no depth in her position that it is fair to break laws even if it is for good reasons.  She concludes her commentary with the issue that tax payer’s money go to supporting these immigrants, blah...blah…blah...WHAT????  Is it selfish not to want this country to be the employment and welfare office of the world?  Her point that immigrants are people and should be treated with respect is totally valid.  We must reform the law so that these people are contributing to public programs not just reaping the benefits.  We must enforce the law to protect our citizens. In reality, immigration is a net drain on the economy; corporate interests reap the benefits of cheap labor, while taxpayers pay the infrastructural costs.